Orunmila: Africa’s Father of Philosophy Before Socrates?

I have seen the book Socrates and Orunmila written by the late Professor Sophie Oluwole. Today, if you ask me who is the father of philosophy, my answer will be Orunmila.

Challenging Eurocentric Views of Philosophy

Professor Sophie Oluwole’s work sparked a critical examination of the origins of philosophical thought. It challenges the Eurocentric view that often dominates academic discourse. By comparing Socrates and Orunmila, she invites us to consider the contributions of African intellectual traditions to the development of philosophical concepts. This comparison is not about diminishing Socrates’ importance, but about recognizing the depth and breadth of Orunmila’s teachings, particularly within the Ifa corpus. The Guardian published an opinion piece in 2023 suggesting Orunmila’s teachings represent a sophisticated philosophical system predating Greek philosophy (https://guardian.ng/opinion/orunmila-the-true-father-of-philosophy/).

You can not read books like this and not come to the realization that we were more advanced than the Foreign Invaders, especially in the area of science and art during the stone age and at the beginning of the dark age.

Orunmila and the Concept of Gravity

Long before Isaac Newton, Orunmila had quoted the law of gravity, stating: laala to roke ile lo nbo.

The concept of gravity, as articulated by Orunmila, wasn’t just a simple observation. It was embedded within a complex system of knowledge that sought to understand the interconnectedness of all things. This holistic approach to understanding the universe is a hallmark of many African philosophical systems. It contrasts with the more reductionist approach that often characterizes Western science. Exploring Orunmila’s teachings allows for a richer understanding of the diverse ways in which humanity has sought to make sense of the world around us. The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy provides an overview of African philosophy, discussing its various schools of thought and its engagement with issues of identity, culture, and social justice (https://iep.utm.edu/african-philosophy/).

Centuries after, just as we were taught that it was, Isaac Newton, who discovered the gravitational pull. Claimed to have stated the law of gravity: What goes up must come down. And went further to elaborate it with their grammer, stating that: the force that an object will hit the ground due to gravity is directly proportional to the mass of the object….yan yan yan yan.

Embracing African Intellectual Traditions

This book, titled Socrates and Orunmila, will help you identify with your tradition. Will make you wanna seek the knowledge of Ifa & embrace ur ancestors. A study published in 2021 highlights Ifa divination as an indigenous knowledge system, underscoring its practical application and philosophical depth (https://www.ajol.info/index.php/og/article/view/231683).